Madison, Wis. – The WMTV Share Your Holidays campaign, which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank, officially began Monday, but generous donations started flowing early Saturday at the Badger Bash held in UW‑Madison’s Union South.

Matching Sponsor Boosts Early Contributions

A local sponsor has pledged to match all donations up to $5,000, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. The funds raised will directly support the Open Seat Food Pantry, a student‑run initiative that helps address food access and basic‑needs challenges on campus.

Open Seat Food Pantry Expands to Meet Growing Need

Graduate student advisor Sonny Christianson explained that the pantry’s demand has risen sharply in recent years. “The need has grown so much and our yield for how many students we’re seeing has grown so much,” he said. Through Second Harvest’s twice‑weekly deliveries, the pantry now operates four days a week, providing consistent meals to students who might otherwise go without.

Christianson emphasized that the pantry welcomes all students without judgment. “We want to meet students where they’re at and give them everything that we’re able to,” he added, noting the rising cost of living in Madison and the day‑to‑day challenges faced by many students.

How Donations Translate to Meals

WMTV will roll out donation barrels on Monday morning. Each $10 gift is projected to provide nearly $90 worth of food, amplifying the community’s generosity.

Badger Bash Highlights Community Spirit

The Badger Bash, which starts two and a half hours before every home football game, also featured High School Band Day. This year, the DeForest High School marching band performed alongside the UW Band, offering students a glimpse of Big Ten university band life. Band director Doug Hoeft praised the experience, saying it gave high‑school musicians a memorable opportunity to play in front of a large crowd.

Senior Aiden Boyd described the event as both nerve‑wracking and exciting, while Hoeft expressed hope that the day would remain a lasting memory for the young musicians.

Supporting Local Food Security

The early donations and sponsor match underscore Madison’s commitment to caring for its students. By partnering with Second Harvest and rallying community support at events like Badger Bash, the city continues to strengthen its safety net for families and young adults facing financial hardship.

Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.